Vaccination debate goes before House committee as measles cases rise

Whether or not to vaccinate children against measles by using the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) shot was a debate in Washington Wednesday.

Two of the nation’s leading health experts, who expressed confusion at the growing numbers of people choosing not to vaccinate against measles, testified before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Nancy Messonnier believe a spread of misinformation among those pockets of people against vaccinating is the culprit.

A common argument from anti-vaxx groups is that the vaccine can cause brain swelling in children.

The two health officials clarified that in rare instances with underlying immune deficiencies, an MMR vaccine is not recommended. Dr. Messonnier says a doctor would be able to determine if a child fell into that category.

Amid the national debate, a Texas state representative is now pushing for legislation that would allow more parents to opt out of vaccines, arguing to the Texas Observer that if a child gets measles, parents could simply use "antibiotics and that kind of stuff" to prevent deaths.

There is currently no treatment for measles.

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